Determine magnitude of force acting on block on inclined plane

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the force P required to move a 20-kg package up an incline, given the static and kinetic coefficients of friction both equal to 0.3. The calculated force to initiate movement is 419N, while the force during sliding is 301N. The participant utilized free-body diagrams and equations of motion, including kinematic equations, to derive the necessary expressions for force and acceleration. Discrepancies in calculations were noted, prompting further inquiry into the methodology used.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with free-body diagrams
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations
  • Basic concepts of friction, including static and kinetic coefficients
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  • Review the derivation of forces on inclined planes using free-body diagrams
  • Study the application of kinematic equations in solving for acceleration
  • Explore the effects of friction on motion in inclined planes
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Homework Statement


A 20-kg package is at rest on an incline when a force P is applied to it. Determine the magnitude of P if 10s is required for the package to travel 5m up the incline. The static and kinetic coefficients of friction between the package and the incline are both equal to 0.3.

statickineticramp.jpg


Answer: 419N to start and 301 during sliding

Homework Equations


m=20kg
g=9.8m/s2
t=10s
xi = 0ft
xf = 5ft
μs = μk = 0.3
Frictional force = Ff = μN

The Attempt at a Solution


First, I drew a free-body diagram including tilted coordinate axes:

statickineticrampfbd.jpg


Then, I went about finding the sum of the forces equations in the x- and y-directions.

\sum F_{x}=-F_{f}-mgsin(20)+Pcos(30)=ma

\sum F_{y}=N-mgcos(20)-Psin(30)=0

From the second equation,
N=mgcos(20)+Psin(30)

Plugging this value for N into Ff = μN in the first equation yields:

P=\frac{m\left(a+\mu gcos(20)+gsin(20)\right)}{cos(30)-\mu sin(30)}

If I know the acceleration, I can find the magnitude of P. There has to be a way to find acceleration from the initial conditions, but I'm at a loss. Also, once static friction is overcome, I'm sure the sum of the forces equations will be different but I'm not sure how.
 
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Well since the force seems to be constant, you could apply the kinematic equation to solve for the acceleration:
x = x_0 + v_0t + (1/2)at^2
 
Thefox14 said:
Well since the force seems to be constant, you could apply the kinematic equation to solve for the acceleration:
x = x_0 + v_0t + (1/2)at^2

From the \sum F_{x} equation, along with F_{f}=\mu N:

a=-\mu gcos(20)-\frac{\mu Psin(30)}{m}-gsin(20)+Pcos(30)

x_{f}=x_{i}+v_{i}t+\frac{1}{2}at^{2}

5=\frac{1}{2}\left (-\mu gcos(20)-\frac{\mu Psin(30)}{m}-gsin(20)+Pcos(30) \right )\left (10^{2} \right )

\frac{1}{10}=-\mu gcos(20)-\frac{\mu Psin(30)}{m}-gsin(20)+Pcos(30)

\frac{1}{10}+\mu gcos(20)+gsin(20)=P\left (cos(30)-\frac{\mu sin(30)}{m} \right )

P=\frac{\frac{1}{10}+\mu gcos(20)+gsin(20)}{cos(30)-\frac{\mu sin(30)}{m}}=\frac{\frac{1}{10}+(0.3)(9.8)cos(20)+(9.8)sin(20)}{cos(30)-\frac{0.3sin(30)}{20}}\approx 7.24N \neq \: Book's\: answer\: of\: 419N

Did I do the math wrong? Where do I go from here?
 

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